FINALLY Got my Breast Reduction

5'7". 230 pounds. Uploading because this helped me so much when I was searching, so I wanted to contribute!
I have been large chested for as long as I can remember. I started wearing a bra when I was 10. By the time I was in middle school, my mom had to take my sister and me to find bras that just didn't exist...28 DD if I remember correctly. By the time I was an adult, I was in a 30G. Recently I've been in a 36H. Constant back pain, breasts were in the way for EVERYthing. As I've gotten older, I've worked hard to constantly keep my chest covered. However, that makes it where clothes don't fit, nothing is ever "cute", and I have few options.
My chest has been large as long as I can remember, but as I started to get older and gain weight, the size of my chest became a problem with losing weight. I have been working with a personal trainer for 9 months and while I love it, I haven't lost any weight because I'm constantly in pain from my chest and my breasts are in the way.
After my aunt had this procedure recently, and after consulting with her about it, I knew it was something I had to do.
I started doing research and found Dr. Kelly in April/May. I scheduled my consult for June. I was able to get in in August!
I could never say enough positive things about my experience with Dr. Kelly. From the consultation which was comfortable, informative, and timely. Dr. Kelly answered ALL of my questions, which were extensive and didn't make me feel rushed AT ALL. She even discussed some issues with moles that were visible in surgery area, which was very comforting to see her care about her patients as whole patients!
Then I was able to get in significantly quicker than I expected which was so so helpful. Michelle contacted me as soon as an opening became available and I was able to get in earlier than I had planned.
Surgery date: of course I was bummed by Covid changing my plans of having my significant other come in with me, but I was made to feel very comfortable. My anesthesiologist was AMAZING. She was able to keep my pain free and comfortable the entire time. She didn't have to intubate me, which was an amazing perk. After surgery, Dr. Kelly checked in with me and let me know that she didn't have to use drains, which was such a stressor for me and I appreciated it so much.
I'm currently 1 week post op and I have my follow up appointment today. Will keep updated! But, if you are in the Indianapolis area, or are willing to travel, I can't recommend Dr. Kelly and Meridian Plastic surgery enough.

Photos from 1-2 days post op.
Space exists!
So, I woke up on Wednesday (1 day post op) and almost cried. This was the first time in my memory that I could look down and see past my breasts. I realize to people that don't struggle with this issue, that seems silly, but it was such an important moment for me!
Also, my suggestions for this time: take stool softeners and be sure you can do a proper squat. Being able to do a proper squat allowed me to be a little more self sufficient during this stage.

4 days post op!
Starting to heal up. A little itchy and the "zaps" of healing, but nothing seriously painful.
Leaking which is normal. I didn't feel like I saw many posts about this when I was looking, so I included a photo of it here.